Pollution, shortages, crime: Daily life in Pakistan’s megacity Karachi

Karachi ranks 170th out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2026 Global Liveability Index, despite being Pakistan’s economic powerhouse. The low ranking reflects daily problems including traffic congestion, limited public transport, crime and unreliable access to basic services.

The city receives about 55 per cent of the water it needs, while some neighbourhoods endure power cuts of up to 19 hours a day. Karachi produces nearly 15,000 tonnes of waste daily, with almost a quarter not reaching landfill sites. Recent urban development projects have struggled to keep infrastructure apace with the city’s rapid growth.